BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension McLean County STEAM in the Classroom’s Chick It Out Embryology Program is a long-standing tradition that successfully promotes agriculture in local schools and throughout the community. Local public and private schools, homeschool groups, and youth service organizations have participated in this program to educate youth about embryology processes using STEM skills and 4-H inquiry-based learning approaches. When participants register for Chick it Out, they will get one dozen fertilized chicken eggs and chicken feed to nourish the chicks after they hatch. In addition, incubators, egg turners, candlers, and embryology curriculum are available for checkout to enhance the program’s success. Materials and curriculum for this program are loaned out free for participants and STEAM in the Classroom and University of Illinois Extension staff provide support through Facebook posts, digital materials, and email. In addition to the Chick It Out Embryology Program, Professional Development Hours are available to interested educators through virtual training provided by University of Illinois’ embryology specialist. This training will help support facilitators of the program through educational materials, activities, and access to important program information.
For more information on this program or upcoming events, please visit us at go.illinois.edu/LMW, or contact Katie and her team by phone at 309-663-8306 or by email at kbuckley@illinois.edu. If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, please contact us. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
SOURCE: Katie Buckley, 4-H Youth Educator and Interim County Director for Unit 12: Serving Livingston, McLean, Woodford Counties
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